Place · Elwynn Forest
Northshire Abbey
The story
Northshire Abbey is a historic monastery nestled in Northshire Valley within the northern foothills of Elwynn Forest. Rebuilt after its destruction in the First War, it serves as the spiritual heart of the Brotherhood of Northshire and a premier training center for new defenders answering the kingdom of Stormwind's call.
Centuries ago, clerics from Lordaeron traveled south into the kingdom of Stormwind to spread the worship of the Holy Light, establishing the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics and their abbey. The monastery quickly became an anchor of kingdom life, caring for the sick and even tending to the young Guardian Medivh during his years in a coma. During the First War, the abbey suffered repeated assaults by brigands and the Orcish Horde, culminating in its utter destruction. When the Alliance of Lordaeron liberated the region in the Second War, Archbishop Alonsus Faol helped rebuild the sanctuary, refounding its protectors as the Brotherhood of Northshire.
Questions, answered
What is the Brotherhood of Northshire?
The Brotherhood of Northshire is a religious order of clerics, priests, and paladins based out of Northshire Abbey. Originally founded centuries ago by missioning clerics from Lordaeron, it was re-established by Archbishop Alonsus Faol after the First War to train faithful defenders and preserve sacred scripture.
Why was Northshire Abbey destroyed in the First War?
During the First War, the abbey held strategic and spiritual importance for Stormwind. Orcish forces incited human brigands to attack it, and after the half-orc Garona was briefly held captive there, a massive Horde onslaught leveled the holy grounds. It remained ruined throughout the war until the Alliance drove out the orcish clans and rebuilt it.
Why are there Defias bandits and kobolds outside the abbey?
Stormwind's military is stretched thin protecting distant borders, leaving outlying regions poorly guarded. Opportunistic kobolds have infested the local gold mines, while the Defias Brotherhood exploits the gaps to rob travelers, harass the local vineyards, and raid the abbey's library for arcane tomes and holy relics.
What is the connection between Northshire Abbey and the Deadmines?
During the First War, an ogre chieftain named Turok stole the sacred Tome of Divinity from Northshire Abbey and retreated into the Deadmines. Sir Anduin Lothar led an expedition into the depths to recover the holy scripture, getting trapped until a royal rescue party saved him and returned the tome to the abbey's care.
Sources
- Wiki Adapted from the Warcraft Wiki article Northshire Abbey (CC BY-SA 4.0)